Leeds United full-time apology, wantaway man's tunnel appearance and off-camera Villarreal moments — YEP 3/8/25
By Graham Smyth
The YEP’s verdict and off-camera moments from Leeds United’s
1-1 draw against Villarreal at Elland Road in the club’s penultimate pre-season
friendly.
Leeds United are edging closer to a Premier League return
with just one more friendly left to play now that a 1-1 draw with Villarreal is
in the books.
It was far from a thriller at Elland Road but there were
positives to take, particularly for two individuals involved in the Whites
goal. It was far from a good day for others, however.
Here's the YEP take on Leeds' battle with LaLiga opposition.
Good day
Joel Piroe
Another game, another goal. The Dutchman knows where the net
is and with no new number 9 in the door yet, Piroe has put together a good case
to start up top against Everton if the need arises. Lukas Nmecha has also
looked sharp but Piroe's status as the club's best finisher appears to remain
untouched. It helps that he came back for pre-season in such good shape too,
because he will need to be if he does play significant amounts of Premier
League football.
Brenden Aaronson
No one is suggesting that Aaronson is the answer to Leeds'
current attacking issues - new signings are the answer. But this was a solid
performance from a player who refused to be denied. He worked all afternoon,
found little joy for the most part, but persevered and got himself past a
defender to put in a dangerous cross. Leeds scored from it. He deserved his
ovation as he came off.
Bad day
Isaac Schmidt
The Swiss international has looked lively in previous cameos
for Leeds but this felt like an insight into Daniel Farke's frustrations with
him as a defender. Schmidt was hearing it from Farke on the touchline in the
first half, having given the ball away and struggled to contain Villarreal on
that side. In the second half he was unable to stop the cross that led to the
visitors' goal.
Mateo Joseph
As the situation continues, it looks more and more like
Joseph has either had bad advice or set off down a path that is unlikely to
lead to what he wants. Wanting a move is one thing, declaring yourself not
ready to play friendlies or travel to train in Germany is quite another. Would
it not have been better to get involved, score a goal or two in pre-season and
underline your potential while maintaining match fitness? Farke said after the
game that Joseph is not in his plans for the Premier League season right now.
That felt damning. And unless a club stumps up the right money, Joseph is going
nowhere.
Off-camera moments
Sean Longstaff needing a gentle nudge in the right direction
as he made his way into Elland Road and looked a bit lost.
Schmidt, starting at right-back, getting a few words of
encouragement and advice from Christopher John. The coach smacked a fist into
his other palm. Something about getting stuck right in, perhaps.
Gabriel Gudmundsson flagged over by sports scientist Tom
Robinson before kick-off, so he could stick on a vest under his shirt to
capture his performance data.
Chief operating officer Morrie Eisenberg waiting down by the
technical area for his son who was Ethan Ampadu's mascot. The toddler had to be
ferried off the pitch after the photos by a photographer.
Farke physically demonstrating the first-time knock he
wanted from Aaronson after the attacker took down a ball instead of feeding it
inside to the run of Schmidt.
The manager then remonstrated furiously with Aaronson for
the run he didn't make as Schmidt attacked. But it was soon Schmidt's turn
after he coughed up possession with an unwise take on in his own half.
Largie Ramazani getting a little shove from Adria Altimara
after challenging the defender on the sideline. The pair then exchanged words
with Ramazani having plenty to say.
Etta Eyong apology to Whites man
Aaronson and Tajon Buchanan having a catch up at full-time,
while Etta Eyong apologised to Joe Rodon for catching him with an arm in the
midriff earlier in the afternoon. Pascal Struijk and Arnaut Danjuma having a
chat.
Jayden Bogle emerging from the tunnel in his civvies
longside Lucas Perri and Sebastian Bornauw as the team completed their lap of
Elland Road.
Joseph hanging around inside the tunnel after the game
despite not being part of Farke's plans.
Ethan Ampadu interrupting Piroe's post-match interview with:
"Ooh look at me I scored another tap-in." Piroe was quick to point
out that they all count.